new guy and kinda new diver with a question.

[jaybird33081]

Hey all.
  I got certified back in 1995 with my jr open water since i was only 14 then never dived again since i didnt have anyone to dive with. Now some of my friends are getting certified. So my question is out of the dive shops around the metro area here, which ones have the best refresher courses? or are they all pretty much the same?

[SCUBA Dog]

Unless anyone on this board has taken refresher courses from several shops, it would be difficult for anyone to say who has the best refresher. I would recommend checking around to see what is offered in terms of refresher courses at the local dive shops. See what is offered that fits your schedule. More importantly ask what is included with the refresher. Is it just pool or does it include classroom and pool? What topics are covered in the classroom and/or pool sessions? Is equipment included? Get the facts and make an informed decision about what is best for you in terms of a refresher course.

Welcome back to diving. Glad to hear that you are considering the refresher course. So many people neglect to do that after a long break from diving.

[tullibee]

you might also check where your friends are getting certified - you might be able to join in with them and do the full class as a refresher.  might not be possible if the class is full, but it can't hurt to ask!

[jaybird33081]

thanks for the info guys. I have been spending the day looking up scuba shops around here. I didnt know that there was that many. Seens like alot of them are offering the same thing for roughly the same prices.Till i found this forum i didnt even know there was this many places to dive in MN.

[Mr.Pitbull]

Like most things, the best outcome will be by matching your final goal to the type of diving that a particular shop specializes in. Most shops in this area have a particular niche that they fill. The personality of the instructor is also paramount, finding someone whose teaching style you can relate to can make the difference between an okay class and an awesome learning experience.

Just my 2 cents

[MERCDIVER]

lee at smith diving does a top notch job ;D

[ScubaDealsUSA]

While i have not taken any training classes with other dive shops in the area, i would agree that smith diving does a great job. I have been very pleased with their classes and customer service.

[DetectorGuy]

I am fairly new to this diving thing too and I took my original dive certification through Smith Diving (NAUI) and I liked the high standards that they teach to. I took my Drysuit certification with someone else (also NAUI) and I was extremely impressed with them also. My opinion is that you can not go wrong with NAUI certification. Padi may be fine... alot of what you get out of the training is what you absorb from that training. I have friends that are PADI trained and I don't think they absorbed as much as they could have... Sometimes people just want the C-card and sometimes people take the training as if their life depended on that training. Guess which type of person that I want for my buddy...

[joekarels]

Welcome back to the fun.
My thought is similar to what was said above. I've been to a number of the shops, and my feeling is that they all care about your training and comfort. Get a feel for the shop, talk to the staff, ask questions. When it feels right, you'll know it. I feel all of the training organizations follow the same protocols. Make sure that you are getting the info you need. Ask questions.

[scubafreek864]

SeaYaDiving does an outstanding job.  Talk to Scott, he is very patient and has a lot of knowledge.